Olympus and Ruhof Announce Distribution Agreement for Disposable Endoscope Valve Set

Olympus enters exclusive distribution agreement in the U.S. with Ruhof Healthcare for Guardian Endoscope Single-use Valve Set a disposable endoscope valve set.

Center Valley, PA and Mineola, NY (October 10, 2017) - Olympus, a global technology leader in designing and delivering innovative solutions for medical and surgical procedures, among other core businesses, announced today an exclusive distributorship with Ruhof Healthcare, a leading manufacturer of surgical instrument and scope reprocessing products. Beginning immediately, Guardian Endoscope Single-use Valve Set, a disposable endoscope valve set manufactured by Ruhof, will be distributed by the Olympus Endoscopy Sales team.

Guardian Endoscope Single-use Valve Set, a sterile, disposable valve, eliminates the need for manual cleaning. Designed for use in Olympus 140/160/180/190 Series Endoscopes, Guardian Endoscope Single-use Valve Set is color coded for easy identification and differentiation. Each set contains one air/water, suction, and biopsy valve and helps to prevent cross contamination. Through this partnership, Ruhof and Olympus are helping to create consistent practices and reduce the potential for error and healthcare-associated infections.

“The addition of this innovative solution to our EndoTherapy portfolio allows us to further our commitment to patient safety by eliminating the need for reusable valves,” said Kurt Heine, Group Vice President of the Endoscopy Division at Olympus America Inc. “What’s more is Guardian Endoscope Single-use Valve Set helps to addresses the triple aim of healthcare reform – improving quality of care, reducing healthcare costs and enhancing patient satisfaction.”

“Ruhof is enthusiastic about working with Olympus,” said Douglas MacKay, VP of Sales and Marketing at Ruhof. “This collaboration will further our efforts to help healthcare professionals meet and exceed their decontamination challenges while ensuring patient safety”.

The distribution agreement will be highlighted at the American College of Gastroenterology’s (ACG) World Congress of Gastroenterology conference in Orlando, October 13-18.

To learn more about these products or to place an order, please call 1-800-848-9024.

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About Ruhof Healthcare
Ruhof Corporation is the cleaning solutions company responsible for introducing the very first enzymatic detergent for cleaning surgical instruments. Presently we offer a full line of surgical instrument and endoscope care and cleaning products, continuing in our important role as pioneer and innovator. Visit www.ruhof.com for additional information.

About Olympus Medical Systems Group
Olympus Medical Systems Group, a division of global technology leader Olympus, develops solutions for healthcare professionals that help improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs and enhance quality of life for their patients. By enabling less invasive procedures, innovative diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, and early stage lung cancer evaluation and treatments, Olympus is transforming the future of healthcare. For more information visit Olympus at www.medical.olympusamerica.com.